Vice President Human Resources

W. R. Berkley Corporation; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental Western Group seeks a strategic VP of Human Resources to partner with senior leadership, shaping talent strategy, workforce planning, and culture. You will lead enterprise HR initiatives and leverage data-driven insights to optimize performance.

Responsibilities include strategic talent leadership, AI-enabled transformations, change management, employee experience, and governance. A Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of senior HR experience are required; certifications are a plus.

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience with strategic initiatives.
• Expertise in talent management and organizational development.
• Familiarity with HR technology platforms, AI applications, and data analytics.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence at the executive level.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement forward-looking talent strategies to meet current and future business needs.
• Lead AI-enabled HR initiatives for recruitment, performance, and planning.
• Drive change management and organizational design to support transformation.
• Oversee employee experience initiatives and engagement programs.
• Partner with senior leaders on business planning and people priorities.
• Ensure governance and compliance across HR programs.

Skills

Senior HR leadership

Talent management

Organizational development

Change leadership

HR technology

AI analytics

Data analytics

Executive influence

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Company Details

Rated Best Places to Work 2020, 2022 and 2024 by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions. W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and carry Standard & Poor's Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

The Vice President of Human Resources (VP HR) serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership, driving business outcomes through innovative people strategies. This role leads the design and execution of enterprise-wide HR initiatives that align talent management, workforce planning, and organizational development with evolving business priorities. The VP HR champions a culture of engagement, inclusivity, and adaptability while leveraging technology and data-driven insights to optimize workforce performance.

Strategic Talent Leadership

• Develop and execute forward-looking talent strategies, including workforce planning, succession management, and leadership development, to meet current and future business needs.
• Drive retention initiatives that address evolving employee expectations, hybrid work models, and competitive labor markets.

AI & Digital Transformation

• Integrate AI and advanced analytics into HR processes for recruiting, performance management, and predictive workforce planning.
• Promote digital HR solutions that enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.

Change Management & Organizational Agility

• Lead change management strategies to support business transformation, ensuring leaders and employees are equipped to adapt to new technologies and processes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives on organizational design and cultural evolution.

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Champion a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous learning.
• Oversee programs for onboarding, performance management, recognition, and career development.

Business Partnership

• Collaborate with senior leaders to align HR initiatives with business goals, providing insights on talent risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to annual business planning and budgeting processes with a focus on human capital priorities.
• Manage HR-related budgets in collaboration with President and CFO, including compensation and benefit analysis.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to employment laws and ethical standards.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, and disciplinary actions with fairness and transparency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior HR leadership roles with a track record of driving strategic initiatives.
• Expertise in talent management, organizational development, and change leadership.
• Familiarity with HR technology platforms, AI applications, and data analytics.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence at the executive level.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor's degree.
• 10 years of experience in a leadership role and a minimum of seven years progressive HR experience.
• One of the following preferred: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP